Ahmad Zein Salamo
Jakarta – Herve Renard, the seasoned French coach currently at the helm of the Saudi Arabian national football team, has garnered widespread respect after he temporarily halted a press conference in deference to the Maghrib, or sunset prayer, call. The incident occurred on Monday, November 17th, during a media briefing held in anticipation of Saudi Arabia’s friendly match against Algeria. The match itself saw Algeria emerge victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.
The press conference, initially focused on Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, was briefly interrupted when the distinct sound of the Azan resonated through the venue. The Green Falcons have already secured their place in the next stage of World Cup qualification, having topped Group B in the fourth round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers, finishing ahead of Iraq and Indonesia.
As a reporter began to inquire about the team’s prospects, Renard interjected, acknowledging the significance of the moment. "If you know me a little bit…" he began, before gesturing upwards towards the source of the call to prayer, as reported by Morocco World News. "Can we wait a moment, please?" he requested.
Renard then respectfully lowered his head and remained silent until the Azan had concluded. The press conference had coincided with the Maghrib prayer time, a daily observance of paramount importance for Muslims worldwide.
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This marks Renard’s second stint managing the Saudi Arabian national team. His initial tenure spanned from 2019 to 2023, and he returned to the role in 2024. Known for his disciplined approach and tactical acumen, the 57-year-old coach has also demonstrated a deep understanding and respect for the religious beliefs of his players, and the broader cultural context of Saudi Arabia. Having spent a significant amount of time in the Kingdom, Renard has become well-versed in the local customs and traditions, including the appropriate etiquette during the Azan.
The gesture quickly went viral across social media platforms, particularly in the Middle East, where it was met with widespread approval and admiration. Renard’s actions were praised as a sign of respect and cultural sensitivity.
Herve Renard’s career has been marked by significant achievements and a unique ability to connect with players and cultures across the African continent and now, the Middle East. Prior to his involvement with Saudi Arabia, Renard achieved considerable success coaching various national teams in Africa, most notably leading Zambia to a historic victory in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. This triumph was particularly remarkable as Zambia had overcome significant odds to win the tournament, defeating established footballing powers such as Ivory Coast in the final. Renard’s tactical brilliance and motivational skills were widely credited for Zambia’s success.
He subsequently repeated this feat with Ivory Coast in 2015, becoming the first coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries. His achievements on the African continent have cemented his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in African football history.
His move to Saudi Arabia in 2019 signaled a new chapter in his career, as he took on the challenge of leading the Green Falcons to success on the international stage. Under his guidance, Saudi Arabia has shown significant improvement, qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and delivering a stunning upset victory over eventual champions Argentina in the group stage. This victory was considered one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, further enhancing Renard’s reputation as a tactician capable of masterminding unexpected results.
The Saudi Arabian national team is currently undergoing a period of significant investment and development, with the aim of becoming a major force in Asian football. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has invested heavily in improving infrastructure, developing youth academies, and attracting top international talent to the Saudi Professional League. This investment reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to raise the profile of football within the country and to compete at the highest level on the global stage.
Renard’s role in this process is crucial, as he is tasked with building a cohesive and competitive team that can challenge for major honors. He has implemented a clear tactical philosophy, emphasizing a disciplined defense, quick transitions, and attacking flair. He has also worked hard to foster a strong team spirit and a winning mentality within the squad.
The Saudi Arabian national team boasts a number of talented players, including Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored the winning goal against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. Al-Dawsari is a dynamic attacking midfielder with exceptional dribbling skills and a keen eye for goal. Other key players include Salman Al-Faraj, a versatile midfielder who provides leadership and stability in the center of the park, and Yasser Al-Shahrani, a solid defender known for his tackling ability and work rate.
The team’s recent performances have been mixed, with some encouraging results alongside some disappointing defeats. In addition to the victory over Argentina, Saudi Arabia has also recorded wins against other strong teams, demonstrating their potential to compete with the best. However, they have also suffered setbacks, highlighting the need for continued improvement and consistency.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia faces a busy schedule of international matches and tournaments. The team is currently involved in the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the aim of securing a place in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They will also be participating in the upcoming Asian Cup, where they will be looking to challenge for the title.
Renard is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but he remains confident in his team’s ability to achieve their goals. He has emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and he is determined to build a team that can make the nation proud.
The incident involving Renard and the Azan call serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in the world of sports. In an increasingly globalized world, it is essential for coaches, players, and officials to be aware of and respectful of the cultural and religious beliefs of others. Renard’s actions have set a positive example and have earned him the respect and admiration of people around the world. His understanding of the local customs of Saudi Arabia is demonstrably profound, and his actions at the press conference highlight his character.
The friendly match against Algeria, which preceded the press conference, was part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations for upcoming international competitions. While the result was a 2-0 defeat, the game provided Renard with an opportunity to assess his squad and to experiment with different tactical approaches. The coach will be looking to learn from the experience and to make adjustments ahead of future matches.
Renard’s long term plans for the Saudi Arabian team include continuing to develop young talent, improving the team’s tactical flexibility, and fostering a strong team spirit. He believes that with hard work and dedication, Saudi Arabia can become a major force in Asian football and can compete at the highest level on the global stage.
The Saudi Arabian football federation is committed to supporting Renard in his efforts and is providing him with the resources he needs to succeed. The federation has invested heavily in improving training facilities, scouting networks, and player development programs. They are also working to attract top international coaches and players to the Saudi Professional League, which is seen as a key factor in raising the overall standard of football in the country.
The future of Saudi Arabian football looks bright, with a talented squad, a dedicated coach, and a supportive federation. The team has the potential to achieve great things in the years to come, and Renard will be at the forefront of this exciting journey. His recent actions, pausing the press conference to acknowledge the Azan, only serve to strengthen his bond with the nation and reinforce his commitment to the team and its values.
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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